Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Lass Wore Black

Book Description:
Catriona Cameron was once famed for her seductive
beauty and charm. Now she saw no one, hiding from the world . . . and no
one dared break through her self-imposed exile. No one, that
is, until Mark Thorburn burst into her home, and Catriona's darkened
world began to have color again. Thorburn, secretly the heir to an
Earldom, claimed he was a footman. But Catriona didn't care about the
scandal their passion could cause . . . for his very touch sparked her
back to a life of sensuality, one she thought she'd never have again. Little does she know that Mark is part of a masquerade. One that will
end when they become the target of a madman set on revenge. Mark
realizes he will have to do more than win her love . . . he will have to
save her life as well.

Idgie Says:
Okay, this was interesting. I was all set to set down and read a "same old romance" story. Burly men, ridiculously hot women who were virgins, misunderstandings, light intrigue and finally - love and lust overcomes all.

This book surprised the heck out of me by being different. Yes, it's still a hardcore romance with sections to make a proper lady blush. Yes, they are still are ridiculously rich with maids and looks and balls and the such. But Catriona starts out as rich, gorgeous, mildly slutty and vacuous. Not the usual romantic heroine in need of help there. She also used to be a maid who somehow made it into society (a previous novel starring her sister I believe.)

The the worst tragedy that could occur to her happens. She has a carriage accident that basically rips half her face off. There were no plastic surgeons then, so if you lived, what you ended up with was it.

Along comes a physician who had a rather crappy young life and therefore knows tolerance and empathy. Yes, he is HOT. He decides to "save" her. Somewhere along the way she remembers she's a human being.

Along with the saving of Catriona there's also the touching on subjects such as breast cancer and compassion killing.

The day "Claire" from Lost mentioned me!

Pat Says:

Pat Conroy just told me that I take a foul art and give it a queenly air, then he kissed my hand.

Decatur Book Festival, 2014

Books that "Stuck"

In no particular order: Bill Bryson and James Herriot....I have re-read anything they write multiple times.We're All DamagedThe End of the World Running ClubHandmaid's Tale Watership DownRiversDesperation RoadBull Mountain The Stand The Poisonwood Bible Black Beauty The Road... read once, will never read again, but it stuck. Lonesome Dove Gone With The Wind....of course Earth Abides A Brave New World

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Idgie

“She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.” —Louisa May Alcott